The Business Of Inspiring

On Saturday May 9, 2009 Kiwan Fitch, Executive Director of My Sistahz Keeper, Angel Maria Cruz, Mary Kay Independent Consultant and Audrey Bell-Kearney, President of Sister Inc. came together in honor of Mother's Day to share some inspiration with the women of Kintock, which is a half-way house for women who are on their way home after being incarcerated. The morning started out with each of the women telling these women about their story and ended with them sharing refreshments and inspiring last thoughts about how they can do what they want in life if they want it bad enough. The women were given gift provided by other women who made a donation so that they could have some of the Mary Kay products offered by Angel. Audrey gave away books that she authored on how to start a business and how to self-publish your own book. The food for this event was sponsored by sorrority Zeta Phi Beta. This was a great collaboration from women who serve women to help make women who have had a little bad luck feel good about who they are and letting them know that their past does not determine their future.

Audrey Bell-Kearney

www.SisterInc.com

Staying Motivated

I have so much on my plate that sometimes it's hard for me stay motivated. I feel so overwhelmed. So when this happens I just stop what I am doing and look at online videos that are motivating and inspiring. This really help to get me back in the grove of things. Another thing that i do is to read good books with inspiring stories. Just knowing that there are people out there doing what I want to do helps to motivate me. I listen to songs that inspire me. Most of the time the songs that inspire me are certain rap songs. So I am sharing this with you to let you know that when you are down in the dumps watch an inspiring video, read an inspiring book or listen to a motivating song to help you get going again.

Until Next Time
Much Success
Audrey

Rise Day 1

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This is my first video in the series.  I am just talking about the shows and what to expect each day on RISE.

Women's Empowerment Forum

On Saturday I had the great opportunity to be a speaker at the Women's Empowerment Forum at Essex County College In Newark. I had an amazing time talking to the women and sharing my story with them about overcoming obstacles and starting and growing my business.

There was one young lady there who was a vendor whom I had met about 2 years ago. I gave her one of the books the I had authored on self-publishing and I was so glad to see that she used the book and went ahead and started her own company and now she is a published author. I will be post short videos from this event over the next couple of days.

Thanks for stopping by
Audrey

One Woman™ National Business Conference Readies to Welcome

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the Texas Business Alliance (TBA) announced its women in business conference, the One Woman™ National Business Conference slated for August 6-8, 2009, at the Omni Houston Hotel, Four Riverway, Houston, Texas 77056, in Houston’s Galleria area. Womentality magazine is a One Woman™ media partner and Womentality Publisher Lauren Williams is co-chair of the conference coordination committee and brings a wealth of curriculum development expertise. The conference will gather a dynamic national network of hundreds of women from all walks of life, backgrounds and perspectives.
“Changing the Face of Business One Woman at a Time” – the One Woman™ theme – is meant to highlight the power in a united women’s network and shared determination to succeed in business.
The One Woman™ birds-in-flight brand artistically symbolizes the freedom and limitless opportunities women entrepreneurs share in common, as well as the strength women have when joined as one.
“One Woman™ is one of our signature business development programs, which will empower, educate and inspire women to have an even more successful entrepreneurial journey or corporate career,” said TBA Founder and CEO Jeffrey L. Boney. “Women business enterprises are the fastest-growing segment of all small businesses and our objective is to equip them with the knowledge needed to sustain growth.”
Pioneering a novel learning environment, One Woman™ will amass the most intriguing corporate and entrepreneurial women (and men) in business to share core business practices, create the best of enrichment and informational workshops and forums, and incorporate multicultural awareness seminars. Anchoring the conference is a large tradeshow where exhibitors come to sell, demonstrate and share their products, services or business opportunities to women.
One Woman™ is currently accepting applications for presenters and thought-leaders with expertise in: infrastructure and financial management, marketing/advertising/social networks/public relations, information technology, legal solutions, insurance/bonding, joint-venture partnerships, managing fear and change during challenging economic times, work family balance, and any new ideas or timely topics specifically related to women in business.
For a speaker’s application and information regarding exhibiting and sponsorship, please visit www.texasbusinessalliance.org or call 281-213-9554.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY A BUSINESS

As someone who helps prospective and existing business owners for a living, I am heartened by all the media attention aimed at helping people find employment and survive this difficult economy. I'm concerned, however, that there isn't more discussion about the option of buying an existing business.
In the business brokerage industry, we equate buying a business with "buying" a career or profession. For the unemployed and those worried about their job security, buying a business is just as viable an option as a traditional job search or starting a business from scratch.
Though it requires a larger upfront investment compared to starting something from scratch or conducting a traditional job search, buying a business can provide you and your family long-term security while paying you an immediate salary, covering your bank debt and providing a small cushion to grow the business. It's also one of the best investments you can make, as evidenced by its history of outperforming both the stock and housing markets even during periods of double-digit growth rates. When you buy the right business, you're building something that has real value and can be resold later--potentially for a profit. But those aren't the only benefits. Here are six more:
Immediate cash flow: Taking on a business with existing customers can be extremely beneficial. With a properly structured acquisition, the business revenue should enable you to cover the cost of any bank loan, take a reasonable salary and have a slight cushion for growth. This scenario is a stark contrast to starting a business from scratch with no immediate revenues, clients, employees or cash flow.
Brand recognition: There is a significant advantage when you acquire a business with existing marketing, advertising, client contracts, trained employees and third-party relationships. The business is established within its trade sector and known throughout the community. This is an intangible benefit that's almost impossible to create with a startup.
Bank financing: Financing the purchase of an existing business can be easier than raising money for a startup. The bank can see historical performance and not just rely on pro forma financials or projections. If you have industry experience to go with the business acquisition, the banks know you have the business acumen to successfully operate it.
Trained employees: One of the most valuable assets in a business acquisition can be the existing employee base. With the right team in place, business owners can focus on growing the customer base or developing new products and services. The work of finding, hiring and training new employees has already been done, and you can use this as a springboard for future growth. Plus, the entire business doesn't rest on your shoulders, which gives you peace of mind should you decide to take a vacation or a break from the action.
Systems and infrastructure: Many businesses will have systems that range from operating manuals to complex IT platforms. Existing systems support the company's operations and should be the foundation for future expansion. You also have the outsider's point-of-view to spot and improve weaknesses in the system.
Training and transition: Sellers can be invaluable in helping you transition into the business, offering guidance ranging from specific training, introduction to key clients and suppliers, supplying an employment contract for future services, and in many cases, seller financing for the business purchase.
Being aware of all the options during these tough economic times will give you the leverage necessary to make good decisions. If you've already been impacted by this economic meltdown or you're fearful about an impending layoff, small-business ownership could be an option. Pursue all of the avenues available and, if small business ownership is a viable alternative, then seek the advice of professionals and those who have done it before.
Domenic Rinaldi is president and managing partner ofChicagoland Sunbelt, a business brokerage firm that focuses on helping people buy and sell businesses in Chicago and the surrounding Midwest area. Rinaldi is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI: 6.82, 0, 0%) from the International Business Brokers Association and an expert in the business brokerage field. He brings more than 24 years of experience in merger/acquisition, sales, service, marketing and operations to the business brokerage arena.

Finding Customers in Your Own Backyard

If you own a local retail store or restaurant, nothing beats a new neighbor for boosting sales. The residents who have recently moved into your town are actively looking for new companies to do business with, and the places that get their attention first will be richly rewarded.
“We believe in networking and getting out into the community, so meeting new residents is high on our priority list,” says Deborah Mobley, co-owner of Perfect Choice Hair and Beauty Supply in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Even if you intend to market to the entire country, it’s important to start at a granular level and market to the people who are in your own neighborhood,” says Lamar Childs, an account representative with Backyard Marketing in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to reach the people who are new to town. Here are some ways to find them and get them to visit your establishment:
Create direct mailing with a free gift offer. Mailings are an effective, inexpensive way to reach new neighbors. The cost for design and postage is often less than one hundred dollars. Costs can be further reduced if you join in with other companies for a package mailing. “We belong to our area chamber of commerce, and we partner with other businesses who want to reach new residents, so we usually participate in a joint welcome packet,” says Mobley.
Craft your direct mail piece with a call to action so your new neighbor will have an incentive to come to your store instead of throwing the ad in the trash. “You always have to ask yourself, ‘How can I get this customer to visit my business?’” Childs says.
A good way to create a call to action is to offer a free product. “In our welcome packet, we offer a complimentary hand lotion,” Mobley says, adding that the freebie is especially effective in bringing in new customers.
Whenever possible, try to send your mailing during the middle of the month. That way, it’s less likely to get lost in the paperwork that comes with an end- or beginning-of-the-month move.
Ask real estate agents to recommend your company. Another important way to generate new neighbor business is to get a third party to tell newcomers about you. “Find a real estate agent who can be your partner,” suggests Le’Kisha Stevenson, a broker and owner of Metric Realty Co. in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you own a restaurant, you could let the agent give their clients a coupon for a free home-cooked meal at your establishment, welcoming them to the neighborhood.
“Business owners can also sponsor an agent’s client newsletter,” Stevenson says. This has the added advantage of keeping your company name in front of the new resident for an extended period of time.
Evaluate your efforts. “Make sure you have a system in place to track your results,” says Childs. “If you send out 1,000 pieces of mail, know how many resulted in customers visiting your business. That should also translate into sales.”
A good response rate for direct mail is about 5%. A successful response rate, however, is anything that allows you to recoup your investment.
The “new neighbor” audience is small but lucrative. It is an excellent marketing investment for companies who have a tight advertising budget. If you gain these customers today, your company could enjoy their loyal patronage for many years to come. “When I get customers to come here for the first time, they’re pretty much hooked,” Mobley says

My Sister's Business Intro

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This is the intro for the new Internet TV show My Sister's Business.  The show will be launching soon!

Tough Economic Times

BLUEFIELD — Pink and green camouflage, high-heeled combat boots and bouncy ponytails won’t last in the Army’s boot camp. But it might make a difference in the war for the economy. Area women who attended the Four Seasons Women’s Conference on Tuesday in Bluefield got a chance to sharpen their boot camp skills during the day-long event. The conference focused on surviving tough economic times, with good attitudes and smart leadership. The event featured keynote speaker Kim Knopf, owner of Mattress Warehouse; Beth Jackson, activities director at the Greater Bluefield Community Center; Betty Critch, executive director of the WVU National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health; Melissa Bunnell, a D.O. at Bluefield Regional Medical Center; Paul Neveu, certified employee benefit specialist, BPAS; Connie Saunders, president of Saunders Staffing; and Melissa Aguilar, executive director for Region One Workforce Investment Board.Knopf, who owns 80 stores in Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio, acknowledged that women have already made promising advances in the business world. When Knopf opened her first store, only 5 percent of businesses were owned by women. Today, nearly 70 percent of businesses are owned by women. But in a struggling economy, steps need to be taken to ensure women can survive the war. “For us, during a recession, we will have to remember that good is not good enough,” Knopf said. She encouraged women to focus on positive attitudes that center on change and opportunity, rather than disappointment or fear of the recession. She also told women to become better leaders and to expect leadership from others in charge. “We are the best, the stronger of the two sexes,” Knopf said. She continued to say that women are like underdogs, always working hard and playing smart when given opportunities. Knopf began opening stores at the age of 23 and continued to open a store every year for 20 years. It is her story that helps women like Ashley Steele from Tazewell, Va., see the opportunities available to them.“I really enjoyed this because I am 24 and it just hit home for me. I just got my MBA,” Steele said. “There is a lot to learn at such a young age.”For other women, the day-long event is a chance to get fresh ideas, listen to speakers and develop a camaraderie. For Cleaning Angel’s owner Lois Jones it is a day to explain her business and meet other business women in the area. The conference, held at David’s at the Club in Bluefield, is an annual event that strives to inspire, motivate and educate area women. It is sponsored by the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, along with area businesses.Lisa Huff, chairman of the GBCC, Lana Pentasuglia, chair of the Four Seasons Women’s Conference, George McConagle, vice chair of special projects and facilitator Angel James helped coordinate the ninth annual women’s conference.

You 15 Minutes Of Fame

I am so excited about video. I know you all have heard me talk about this before, but I am telling you that this is a great way to grow your business. You can become the star of your own show with video and grow your business at the same time. I set a goal for myself to produce and distribute at least one video per week and because of this I have seen my visibility on the Internet increase. People are starting to contact me from all over asking questions about their business and how they can take it to the next level.

Since I did my movie RISE, I’ve been asked to be apart of other film projects and this is so exciting. Here is a prim example. I was asked to do a cameo in an upcoming film called Don’t Blink playing myself. I got to play myself and talk about my business Sister Inc., my books and my film. When I finished shooting my segment people who were watching the taping said that my part sounded so real and I told them that it was real. Because I was asked to do a cameo in this film I picked up two new clients. One was interested in starting a clothing line while the other one wants to write and self-publish a book. Can you see how my business is growing and how using video can help you grow your business?

Don’t be afraid of using a video to grow business. I know some of you maybe saying I don’t like the way I look on tape and I will tell you that you can create a video for your business and you don’t even have to be in it. However if you want that 15 minutes of fame you have to become the face of your business.

Until Next Time
Much Success
Audrey

Audrey is the President of Sister Inc. She also writes a monthly business column for Essex Times newspaper. Audrey is the author of The Sister Inc Blueprint For Starting And Running A Successful Business and the executive producer for her new film RISE: An Entrepreneur's Journey To The Top.

Running Your Business In A Recession

Running Your Business In A Recession

By now I am sure that everyone is aware that we are in a recession and for those of us who run our own business we are feeling the pinch. But there are some of us who are doing just fine despite the fact that the economy is bad right now. I believe the reason for this is because they understand that this is one of those times that you have to really beef up your marketing not cut corners. You have to really make sure that your advertising and marketing campaign is doing the job. If your funds are low you may want to get back to some grass root marketing like flyer distribution or passing out buttons or t-shirts. The holidays are slowly approaching did you think about holding some kind of holiday promotion? Below are a few ideas for you to think about.

You must be proactive in this recession not reactive
Find a partner to do a co-op marketing campaign with you
Ask for referrals
Get back to your roots

We can get through this, we jus have to stay focused and keep moving strategically.

Until Next Time
Much Success
Audrey

What Women Business Owners Can Learn From Barack and McCain

Man what a great day Nov. 4, 2008 was. This is a day that will go down into our history books. I don't think I've ever felt as proud as I did yesterday. I don't think I've ever felt as hopeful as I did the very moment I saw 294 in the electoral votes for Barack. Even though I got up at 5 am yesterday so that I could vote and went to bed around 2am last night, I awoke at 7am this morning because I could not sleep. The reason I could not sleep is because I could not stop thinking about something that Barack said in his speech last night. He said that he could not have made history if it wasn't for his team and all of the hard work that they did on his campaign. Just think about this. Outside of the people who live in Chicago, most of us never heard of Barack Obama until 2 years ago and today he is the President of the United States. Our President! Can you just imagine what would happen if you assembled a team and worked tirelessly for two years on your business? Can you imagine if you had that special group to help cheer you on when you felt like giving up? Well I don't know about you, but I can. I can visualize where I will be in the next two years. I know that I will grow my business into a multi-million dollar media empire. Why do I know this? Because I learned a lesson from both Barack and McCain. Two years ago they came on the scene and we had no idea who they were but their plan was to introduce themselves to us so that in the end they could get what they really wanted which was the presidency. They both put together a team and their journey began. Although McCain fought a good fight, his strategy was not as strong as Baracks. Baracks team put together a strategy that lead him to his ultimate goal which was hold the top leadership position in our country.

What lesson did I learn you may ask? Well I learned that no man is an island. I learned that to reach the goals that you set for you and your business you have to be crystal clear about what you want without a doubt in your mind. I learned that you need the right strategy and the last thing that I learned is that you need the right team to help you carry out that strategy. So I say to all of you who have goals of having a successful business, take a lesson from the candidates and do what they've done.

Audrey is the owner of Sister Inc. which is a company that help women start their own business. She is also the author of The Sister Inc. Blueprint For Starting And Running A Successful Business. Audrey writes a monthly business column for a newspaper and is the host of Master Mind Mondays radio talk show host. Audrey is also the executive producer of her new film RISE: An Entrepreneur's Journey To The Top. http://www.SisterInc.com Audrey@sisterinc.com

Audrey's 16 Week Challenge

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I am happy to be a part of the 16 Week Challenge.  Once again I am taking part in the challenge.  Andrew Morrison is breaking new ground for small businesses and I am happy to be a part of it.  http://www.sisterinctv.ning.com  http://www.sisterinc.com

Create Your Own Video For The 16 Week Challenge

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This video will show you how to create your own videos.  You will find out what equipment you buy for a very small fee to get you started.  http://www.Sisterinctv.ning.com People who are going to take the Andrew Morrison 16 Week Challenge will find this information very helpful.

Marketing With Newsletters

Newsletters are a great way to market your business. You don't have to make them complicated, just make them informative. Take a look at the video.

For more information on marketing with newsletters send me an email at Audrey@sisterinc.com

Great Marketing Tool

I just recently found out about a great marketing tool if you have a product to sell. It is called Google Base. This maybe old news for some, but for those of you who are just hearing about this for the first time this is a great opportunity to get your product out there. Go to Google and set up a Google Base account. Once this is done you will then be able to upload jpegs of you product write a brief description and then upload. I don't think there is a limit to the number of products you can upload. I only uploaded two. My book and my DVD. I am looking forward to seeing the results over the next 30 days which is the maximum amount of time the product will be listed.

Every little bit helps.
Much Success
Audrey

What's The Big Idea

There are many of you out there with a big idea and are afraid to tell anyone with the fear that someone my steal it. There are ways to protect your ideas. Below are just a few ways to do this.

1. Have the person sign a non-disclosure statement before you share your idea.
2. Apply for a provisional patent
3. Apply for copy rights if it is written
4. Apply for trademarks if applicable.

What I would suggest is that you contact an attorney who can help you better protect your idea. This way you can move foward with your plans. In order to take your project to the next level you will have to be able to talk about it. I would also suggest if you are using a business plan be careful about who you let take a look at it, because of all the work you've put into your project. If you need help with the business plan check out your local SBA or Small Business Development Center.

How To Be A Frugal Millionaire

I just finished up an interview with Brenda Hendrickson who is the author of How To Be A Frugal Millionaire. This book is a really easy read with a lot of helpful information to help you become a frugal millionaire. Brenda explains in the interview that being frugal doesn't mean that you have to deprive yourself. To listen to the interview go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sisterinc

Creative PR

I love coming up with ways to get the word out about my business. Back when my partner and I started the doll company we didn’t have any money so I had to be creative. To this day I still love to be creative and from being creative I was able to get over $25,000 in free publicity for our company. I almost went into the Public Relations field and sometimes I think I should have because I think I am kind of good at it. Anyway I know that most of you know that I recently released my film RISE: An Entrepreneurs Journey To The Top. Before I shot the film I started thinking of all of the ways that I could market the film. So what I want to do right now is share with what I did as part of my PR campaign and maybe you can use it or something similar in your business.
I made a list of business and women magazines. I then ordered a case of popcorn and packaged the popcorn with the DVD and my press release in a big envelope and sent it out to the editors of the magazines. I will let you know how that went, because I just did this.
When it comes to getting the word out about your company you have to come up with a strategic plan and be creative. PR is one of the best ways to get your name out there. I know a lot of people talk about advertising, which can also be good, but most people will believe in your product much faster if they see a story about you in their favorite publication or on the news. I remember when I was on the John Walsh show. That was amazing because the show was national, so family members all the way down in Georgia saw me. That boosted the company so much and our credibility. It was around that time I decided to write the books about starting your own business, because so many people started coming to me about learning how to start a business and I figured now was the best time for me to get the book out there to piggy back off of the momentum I had going.
Until Next TimeMuch SuccessAudrey
Audrey is a business coach and the author of The Sister Inc. Blueprint For Starting And Running A Successful Business. She is also the executive producer of the film RISE: An Entrepreneurs Journey To The Top. To reach Audrey write to her at Audrey@sisterinc.com

The Release Of RISE

I am so excited about the new release of my movie RISE: An Entrepreneurs Journey To The Top. This movie is about me and all of the businesses I've started over the years. I share my ups and my downs of being a business owner. The movie has been so positively received that an Internet Reality show is in the makings. So take a look at the trailer. To order a full copy of the dvd go to http://www.Sisterinc.com/rise.html